A Refreshing Makeover

When the Client approached us to work on this 1972 apartment renovation we were a bit hesitant.

Besides being outdated the building was desperately in need of fire and life safety upgrades.
What convinced us was the Client's commitment to undertake all that was necessary to upgrade these systems and the understanding that he would be very supportive of our design ideas.

The Scope of work consisted of the renovation to a 400 sq. ft lobby, 3 suite corridors of approx. 387 sq. ft each and a stairway leading from the lobby to the lower level parkade.

Located a block away from Lonsdale Avenue with it’s flourish of coffee shops and restaurants, this rental apartment building is well situated.

To retain and attract future tenants BBA's design objective was to create a simple, elegant, west coast lobby reflecting its sense of place within the backdrop of the north shore mountains.
Suite corridors and suite entries were also addressed and carry through this casual, timeless theme.

The design approach began with the removal of the heavy pink beams and stuccoed ceiling replacing it with a smooth drywall surface and recessed LED lighting. Arranged in an organized grid the new energy efficient lighting evenly illuminates the space, featuring the artwork while at the same time creating the the illusion of a higher ceiling and sense of spaciousness.

The floral carpet was next to go. In it's place are beautiful sandstone coloured large format porcelain tiles that alternate with a narrow tile band to create a subtle but warm texture.
Slatted pink wall paneling is replaced with a textured taupe wallcovering on all lobby walls except the feature photomural wall.

Here the Designers created a layered effect with glimpses of a forested photomural appearing behind a custom walnut screen.

The slightly skewed wood slats in the screen create visual interest and tension and relate to the design of the corridor carpet tiles.

This canted detail is again repeated in the veneered stair guard rail with it's cove lighting to create visual interest without being overbearing.

Entering through the new walnut portal, the corridors, suite doors and surrounds were also given a makeover. Corridor walls received new drywall, baseboard and door casings. A walnut panel added to the side of each suite entry door, new signage, feature wall sconces, stone thresholds, doors and door pulls now create a welcome entry to each tenant’s suite.

New carpet tiles in a random pattern recalls the lobby's walnut screen motif and liven up the corridors.

Overall the new look has received wide approval from the tenants and our Client has confirmed that he has not lost one tenant in the renovation.